Flowering Bonsai: how to grow a small colorfull tree.

The origins

To understand when and how these wonderful trees were born we have to go back at least 2000 years and fancied, probably, in faraway China. Only around 1200 the Bonsai came to Japan where Buddhism was spreading and to which monks were given away the first samples. At the end of ‘800, the small tree arrived in Paris for a show and, only in 1900 he made his first appearance in America sporadic to regularize its spread in the West after World War II.

Typologies

The Bonsai more “colorful” are undoubtedly those fruit and flowering that feature bright colors and flowers each season. The key issue is to take care of only the land wet and not too dry flowers that could more quickly and make sure that in the vessel there is never a state of dryness.

The Japanese apricot blooms in late winter or early spring, has the appearance of a centenary tree (trunk immense with beautiful colorful flowers) and, it seems, is considered a good luck charm if given to a loved one! It prefers full sun exposure especially in spring / summer. In winter, better be careful to frost. Watering should not be excessive, preferably carried out when the soil is already dry.

The Apple Tree has unique characteristics that can convince the bonsai to grow this tree: flowering scented, real fruits and edible and ease of cultivation. For the rest of the treatments and cures apply as for other flowering bonsai: exposure to the sun in spring and protection from frost in winter …

Azaleas bloom offer exciting but they are a bit ‘more complex to treat. Their habitat requires a soil slightly moist (like undergrowth) and therefore in the spring sun exposure in the morning with natural ventilation annexed to encourage flowering.
Summer is better not to expose the Azalea in the sun while the winter, always avoid frosts at Bonsai! Watering Azalea is another essential as these Bonsai dislike much calcium and tap water, for example, could weaken or damage them … Better to use rainwater, distilled or decalcified and, as always, prevent the soil is dry to prevent the plant die!

The Bougainvillea is one of the latest in Bonsai and features beautiful flowers purple during flowering. It ‘a plant of the tropical zone of South America and therefore prefers warm and sunny climates. In spring and summer should be exposed to the sun with the foresight, in warmer weather, protect the pot to heat the roots while, in winter, it would not hurt to keep this Bonsai at home or otherwise in a heated greenhouse. Avoid exposure to the North or where they came from cold drafts!

Maple Palmato is peculiar for its colors that change with the seasons: Fiery red, green new red, with yellow for some species. There are hundreds of species but for the Bonsai is one of the most beautiful species to grow. Maple requires sun exposure in the spring and in the shade in the summer, especially if it is particularly hot. In winter it is good, as always, be careful to frost!

Methods

If you want to start to follow and treat a Bonsai your ideal is perhaps to buy a potted tree already grown and format, but you can find seeds and plant them in the appropriate place in the spring and autumn. the jar with the seeds be exposed in full light but not where to direct sunlight! If you can, cover the jar with a piece of glass or transparent plastic, and always check the soil is not too wet to prevent rot or stagnation.

Be PATIENCE !!! A tree does not grow in a few hours !!

As already mentioned in the descriptions of various types, watering is important for the healthy growth of your bonsai. Make sure the soil does not dry out and, if possible, vaporized leaves without exceeding the amount of water.
Although sun exposure is important, making sure that your creation is in a well lit but not under the direct rays of the sun. Pruning instead will allow you to give the right shape to the plant, so it is good to cut the sprouts coming out of the form that you have in mind. You’re the artists, so do not be afraid to cut where necessary!

Good work … oops !! Fun!